Guerilla Maab was a Houston based rap trio which consisted of rappers Z-Ro,… Read Full Bio ↴Guerilla Maab was a Houston based rap trio which consisted of rappers Z-Ro, his cousin Trae, and his brother Dougie D. They have released 3 studio albums Rise (1999),Resurrection (2002), & Year of the Underdawgs (2003)(all of which have been released as a Screwed and Chopped version). The group disbanded due to internal conflicts regarding financial issues and solo careers. Their style is often compared to that of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, mixing soulful singing with hard core street oriented lyrics. Guerilla Maab was and still is one of the hardest groups ever to come out of Houston.

Streets Got Ya
Guerilla Maab Lyrics

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Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Streets got you, streets got you
Streets got you, yeah, yeah

[Chorus x2: Shyna]
Streets got ya, living life like a true soldier
Though it feels, like your time is over
Pray to God that you see another day

[Trae]
I know I gotta be strong, cause its my life man
I only got one to live, and I know I'm fin to make it man
I put that on my right hand, to the man I never let em do me in
You fin to feel the rap, the young guerilla niggas moving in like the wind
Got a big brother named Biggy in Penitentiary
No matter what happens till I die, you can depend on me, my nigga
Screw passed away, and that's what got me through my hard times
My sister went to the penn, so just for him its fin to go down (I promise dat)
And I won't fall off, every nigga that hate I'ma haul on
And I know you don't wanna get knocked off, it'll be best to back on up dog
All a nigga wanna do is get paid, hit the streets we Guerilla Maab made
For the 2K2 I gotta live lade, and leaving em as if they on raid
Bitches fiend get up out of my life, its all about me and my family
Niggas united for cash, and South click without a doubt M double A-B
No what I mean I'm gon survive, one of the hardest underdogs
Straighten em up off of they feet for life, niggas I'm hitting they ain't right
And I better get to the light, bitch

[Chorus x2]

[T.C.]
Now guerillas stay calm, feel my vibe
My enemies see me coming, they running from the 4-5
Random shots, so I duck cops
Play the back field, then its back to the block
I know this rap shit, don't last long
So I get my hustle on, trying to get mine before its gone
I'm brick living, with a ki in my hand
I make my own decisions, I'm struggling
I'm playing the cards I was given, I get it how I live
But I don't wanna end up, dead or in a prison
But regardless, I'ma get mine, you can catch me
On the block, on Vannas and Nolia trying to shine
With my dog, a two man click
We get it how we live, with halves and bricks
Ice and whips, glocks and chips
We caught up in the street life dog, trying to get rich

[Chorus x2]

[Trae]
I been in the streets made bitches, and fake memories
How many more dudes, do I gotta pay till they feeling me
Everybody that turned on us, its like that they don't know no better
Thought it was love but I can't tell, cause it ain't getting better
How the fuck, did niggas I love can't look me in my eyes
These the same niggas that backed me up, when the Maab was on the rise
Its safe to say, we all alone while living this life of tears
So ready to give up with the fear, what's gon happen here
I lost everything that I had and gotta face that, niggas can't even take that
Went from worse to the worst, all the crews I feel I'm going right back
My days are getting shorter, God times are getting harder
Too much weight up on my shoulders, have mercy heavenly father
Why do I have to live like this, I'm forever known to be real
Within my life and time, it'll stay that way even if I'm dying
And only pray to see my happiness, even in the mist
I never knew that it would be like this, I hate it be like this

[Chorus x2]

[Shyna]
Streets got ya, true soldier
Time is over, another day [x2]

Another day

Streets got ya, true soldier
Time is over

Streets got ya, true soldier
Time is over, another day

Overall Meaning

The song "Streets Got Ya" by Guerilla Maab is a poignant commentary on the impact of street life on individuals. The song opens up with the repetitive refrain of "Streets got ya," emphasizing the powerful and inescapable hold of the streets upon those who live there. The chorus, sung by Shyna, talks about the tough life that one leads on the streets as a true soldier, but also emphasizes the hope that one can pray for another day.

The first verse by Trae talks about the resilience required to survive the streets. He mentions how he has only one life to live and how he promises to never let anyone hurt him. He also mentions Screw's death and his sister's imprisonment, and how he has to keep going for their sake. He talks about wanting to make money, while standing up to those who hate him. He emphasizes the importance of unity within his crew, and how he will survive as one of the "hardest underdogs." The second verse by T.C further highlights the deadly reality of street life. He mentions how he is constantly facing his enemies and trying to "get his hustle on," while playing his cards right to avoid prison. He talks about his two-man crew trying to make it with drugs and guns as the means to an end.

The final verse by Trae is confessional in nature. He talks about how he has had to pay people to be his friend, and how he is slowly losing everything. He is scared of what the future holds, and how he has lost faith in even those who once backed him up. He talks about how much more difficult the streets have become, and how he is weighed down by the struggles of his life. The refrain by Shyna, "Streets got ya, true soldier, time is over, another day," reiterates the idea that surviving the streets is about taking things one day at a time.

Overall, the song reflects the harsh realities of street life and the impact that it has on individuals. It is a tribute to those who have suffered through it and made it to see another day.

Line by Line Meaning

Streets got ya, living life like a true soldier
Living in a life where the streets have control, like a brave soldier

Though it feels, like your time is over
Even though it seems like your life has come to an end

Pray to God that you see another day
Asking God for the chance to live another day

I know I gotta be strong, cause its my life man
Understanding that one has to be strong because it is one's life

I only got one to live, and I know I'm fin to make it man
Realizing that there is only one life to live, and being determined to succeed

Got a big brother named Biggy in Penitentiary
Having an incarcerated older brother named Biggy

No what I mean I'm gon survive, one of the hardest underdogs
Believing that one will survive, even though one is considered an underdog

Straighten em up off of they feet for life, niggas I'm hitting they ain't right
Correcting those who are wrong, by knocking them down

Now guerillas stay calm, feel my vibe
Urging fellow guerillas to remain composed and feel the artist's energy

I get my hustle on, trying to get mine before its gone
Working hard to earn what is desired, before it all disappears

I make my own decisions, I'm struggling
Making independent choices, while facing difficulties

Its safe to say, we all alone while living this life of tears
Acknowledging that everyone is alone in a life full of emotional pain

My days are getting shorter, God times are getting harder
Feeling like time is running out, and that God is making life tougher

Why do I have to live like this, I'm forever known to be real
Questioning the reason for living such a difficult life, despite being known for being true to oneself

And only pray to see my happiness, even in the mist
Asking only to witness personal happiness, even when surrounded by problems

Contributed by Mackenzie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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